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LING 


GRANDSON OF YEN-FOH 


KURT WIESE 






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LING 

GRANDSON OF YEN-FOH 



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LING 

GRANDSON OF YEN-FOH 



ADAPTED FROM THE CHINESE BY ETHEL J. 
ELDRIDGE ^ ILLUSTRATED BY KURT WIESE 


JUNIOR PRESS BOOKS 

albertXwh itman 

4 co 

CHICAGO 









COPYRIGHT, 1936, BY 
ALBERT WHITMAN 8 COMPANY 


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'E43 

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Lings Kind Advice 


T HERE once lived in Peiping, the capital of China, a 
young Chinese boy named Ling. 

Ling dwelt in the home of his ancestors with Honor¬ 
able Father, Beautiful Mother, Little Sweet Sister, and most im¬ 
portant of all, Illustrious Grandfather, Yen-foh. 

It was winter in China when this story begins. Very early one 
morning, before the yellow sun had lifted his shining face over 
the edge of the world, Ling was awake. He was so excited he 
could not sleep. He lay listening for a call which he knew would 
not come until after the dawn. 


Just as the first pink-drays shone into Ling’s room, the call 
sounded. 

“Ooo! Ooo!” it came clear and shrill from very near his home. 


5 




Ling sprang quickly from his bed and looked through his 
window. 

There they were! 

Six of his friends were waiting to have their snow battle be¬ 
fore time for school. 

No one in the house was astir when Ling dressed in his warm 
jacket and trousers and slipped out to join his playmates. They 
hurried to an unused field nearby and soon had built a big fort 
of sparkling white snow. Then sides were chosen and the battle 
raged! The balls were tossed back and forth so rapidly it was 
almost impossible to watch them. 

But Ling had been noticing Chi, a boy on his side, who played 
carelessly. He was never able to get a ball over the top of the 
high fort. Chi seemed always thinking of something else, and 
did not keep his mind on the game. 

Ling wondered what was in the thoughts of the other Chinese 
boy to cause such a puzzled look. 





But Ling had been noticing Chi 





With merry shouts, when the game was finished, the boys 
rushed to their Jaomes for breakfast and preparations for school. 
But before they 1, left Ling planned to see Chi at the game the fol¬ 
lowing morning and talk with him. 

Next day before starting to play, the two small Chinese lads 
laughed and spoke about the frolic on the previous morning. It 
was a great deal of fun they decided, to get up early and play 
before school. Their studies had been prepared the evening be¬ 
fore, as this was required of every Chinese child. 

During their talk the questioning look remained in Chi’s eyes. 
Ling asked his friend why he seemed puzzled, and if he was 
unhappy about something. 

Chi watched Ling’s face earnestlyv4s he told his companion 
that he was wondering about the new wife whom his father had 
recently brought to live at their home. Chi said he loved her very 
much, because, since his own mother had died, he had often wished 
for another. 

Ling listened intently to every word and told Chi he was glad 
to hear of the new mother, and to please tell him more about her. 

Chi said that he would like to prove to this wife of his honor¬ 
able father, how deeply he loved her, and he wanted to make her 
a present. 







Chi said he loved her very much 











But she had everything, so what could he do, Chi questioned. 

Ling wrinkled his brow in deep thought, then asked Chi what 
the most fortunate lady liked best of all. 

Chi hastily explained that she was very fond of fish. How¬ 
ever, with everything frozen in the winter, he of course could 
not go fishing. 

Ling looked thoughtful. He then told Chi that he had a plan, 
if Chi was brave enough and really loved the lady enough to 
do it. 

Chi declared that he loved his new mother enough to do any¬ 
thing for her. 

Ling then explained to the eager boy thatVif he would go to 
the frozen lake and breathe his warm breath upon one spot on 
the ice for a long time, it would melt, and he might get a fish for 
the- lady at his house. 

Without hesitating a moment, brave young Chi said he would 
go that very night. He gratefully thanked Ling for so kindly tell¬ 
ing him what to do. 

At dark Chi went to the lake and lay upon the ice. He chose 
a spot and breathed his warm breath upon it with all his strength. 
It was a dark night. Hark! what was tharaound? Just his own 
gasping breath! Would it last? Or would he freeze? Chi won¬ 
dered. It was bitter cold. Chi shivered. 


10 





Although nearly exhausted the brave boy persisted until just 
before the sun shot his first rays of light, when the hole appeared. 
Chi reached his hand through the hole into the icy water beneath 
and drew out a carp. He reached again and drew out another. 

Chi rested a moment then with a joyful shout he picked up the 
two fish. He warmed himself by running aU the way home. He 
arrived in time for the stepmother to haveVthe fish for breakfast. 

Then she knew how much Chi, her little stepson, loved her, 
and she always loved him doubly in return. 

After the good breakfast of fish, Chi hurried to Ling’s home. 
His eyes were shining with happiness when he told of his success 
at the frozen lake. He assured Ling that his most splendid kind 
advice had been carried out perfectly. 

When Grandfather Yen-foh heard of Chi's brave deed, he saw 
to it that a famous poet wrote a poem about it, so that the coui> 
age and faithfulness of this Chinese lad could be known by 'ill 
people. 








Grandfather Yen-foh Tells a Story 

Through the freezing winter months Ling tried in every way 
to please his Grandfather Yen-foh, whom the boy loved dearly. 
During the cold nights the young Chinese lad would lie upon 
Grandfather Yen-foh’s bed to warm it for The Great Old One. 

When there was hot weather in China, Ling did not fail to 
get his fan and wave it to and fro over the Great Old One’s bed 
to keep him cool and comfortable at night. 

All winter Ling never forgot his Grandfather Yen-foh. Ling 
hoped very much to become like him someVaay, because The 
Great Old One had always used his mind and been a fine student. 

On late winter afternoons, before time for the evening meal. 
Grandfather Yen-foh would often tell Little Sweet Sister and 
Ling an ancient fable. 

The one Ling liked best was about The Proud Chicken. Little 
Sweet Sister liked this fable also, and on this particular winter 
evening The Great Old One told them their favorite story. 

It was about a widow who made a living for her two children 
and herself by raising many, many chickens. She could not buy 
food for such a large/number, but she let them go to the fields 
near her home. There the chickens could find bugs, and worms, 
and some green things. 


12 










There was one chicken with so much strength and size that 
he became the king of all the others. None dared try to take his 
place, because he was the master of all. He ruled by force, and 
was never satisfied. One day he tried to persuade the flock to 
follow him to the far side of a big mountain. He told them they 
would find more and different things to eat. 

But the chickensvrefused to go. They were frightened when 
they thought of the eagles and the foxes on the other side of the 
high mountain. 

However, the King’s Secretary said that he feared nothing, and 
that he would go with the King. As they travelled along the Secre¬ 
tary saw a beetle and prepared to eat it. The King flew at him 
in fierce anger demanding the beetle for himself. They fought 
furiously together for the possession of the beetle, and during the 
fight the sly beetle crept away and hid, where neither chicken 
could get him. 

The Secretary then deserted the cross “King and returned home. 

At night the King also came home, but would not accept the 
highest perch on the roost which the other chickens had kindly 
saved for him. He kept fighting instead. 

Because of his ugly nature the flock left the King and went to 
live in the garden. 

Next evening when the widow watched for her chickens to 
come home, only the King came. The woman was uneasy and 
asked the King where to find the rest of her flock. In an angry 
voice he answered that he cared nothing for the others, and wished 
they would'/never return. 



The widow told the King that some day he would regret be¬ 
ing so proud and unpleasant that the other chickens could not live 
with him. But the King only crowed, “Cock-a-doodle-doo!” 

The Secretary then appeared and explained to the widow where 
her chickens were living. 

She persuaded the chickens to return, but even then the King 
was haughty and angry and would not make friends with his com¬ 
panions. 

When he was crowing a battle song an eagle swooped down 
and, catching the vicious King in his claws, carried him far away. 
The other chickens of the flock were never troubled with him 
again. 

The children thanked the Great Old One for the fine story, then 
ate their evening rice from blue bowls, before Ling prepared his 
lessons. 

Another time, as a special present, Grandfather Yen-foh gave 
Ling and Little Sweet Sister each a piece of money. This money, 
the Great Old One told them, was to be spent on the Chinese New 
Year. Since they did not have Christmas in China, the Chinese 
New Year was the great celebration day. 

They were queer looking pieces of money, round with square 
holes in the center. 

Ling’s narrow dark eyes sparkled with pleasure as he laid his 
coin carefully away to await the coming of The Chinese New Year. 
He thought no other boy in all China had such a kind grandparent 
as his own Grandfather Yen-foh. 




But the King only crowed, "Cock-a-doodle-doo!” 



















The Hole in the Wall 

Ling’s feet were light and he sang a little tune as he hurried to 
school. His eyes were bright, and the crisp winter air made his 
cheeks red like round red apples. 

His long queue was neatly braided, his blue jacket and trousers 
were fresh and clean. Altogether Ling was a very handsome young 
Chinese boy. 

But Ling, of course, did not know this. He was thinking how 
pleasant it would be if Little Sweet Sister were old enough to come 
to school and keep him company. But, just wait, she would be 
allowed to come next year. Ling smiled at the thought. 

He turned a corner and joined his friend Kwang Hung who 
also was on his way to school. Kwang Hung had no smile about 
his mouth, and his eyes were gloomy. 

The boys walked in silence for awhile. Ling was sorry about 
Kwang Hung’s downcast looks, and questioned him as to why 
he/was troubled. 


16 











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//e joined his friend Kwang Hung 

































Kwang Hung did not seem anxious to tell, but when he looked 
into Ling’s friendly eyes he confessed his problem. 

It was about his school work. Kwang Hung said he was not 
doing well in his studies, and he was getting low marks. Of 
course he felt badly to have this happen, because he must be a 
bright scholar and become highly educated. 

The trouble was, Kwang Hung continued to explain, that he 
had no money with which to buy oil for study at night. 

He had kind neighbors and they had allowed him to cut a hole 


through the wall dividing their homes. Kwang Hung went on to 
tell Ling that a small gleam of light came through the hole from 
the neighbor’s oil. By sitting very close to the hole on his side, he 
could manage to see his books and study a little. 

However, it was very hard to do, Kwang Hung told Ling, and 
the effort was hurting his eyes. Beside he could not learn his les¬ 
sons well in such a strange way. 





A small gleam of light came through the hole 




By this time the boys had reached the school. They agreed to 
meet when they were dismissed, and walk home together. 

All day Ling noticed that Kwang Hung’s lessons were in¬ 
deed not well prepared, and the teacher spoke crossly several times 
about it to Kwang Hung. 

Ling was sorry for the poor boy who had no way to study his 
books during the long winter evenings, except through a hole in 
the wall. He wished there was some way in which he could help 
his friend. Then Ling had a sudden thought and his eyes grew 
brighter than ever. 

He knew what he would do! 

Ling was anxious for school to be over that afternoon, so he 
could meet Kwang Hung/at the door and carry out his plan. He 
was waiting when Kwang Hung came from the school house with 
lagging steps. 

The two boys walked by Ling’s house first, and stopped at the 
door. Ling invited Kwang Hung into his home to meet his fam¬ 
ily, and especially his Grandfather, Yen-foh, whose fame, as a 
man who used his mind and solved difficult problems, had spread 
throughout the land of China. 

Kwang Hung, the poor boy, had never expected to enter such a 
home, or know such a man. Kwang Hung’s family had no money, 
and they were far. below people like Ling’s family. 


20 








But all of Ling’s family were friendly to this young Chinese 
boy who lived in poverty. 

Ling excused himself for a moment and left Kwang Hung 
laughing heartily over Little Sweet Sister’s pranks. 

When Ling returned to the room he offered Kwang Hung a 
piece of money. It was the money that Grandfather Yen-foh had 
given him for New Year’s. 

The poor boy did not touch it until Ling insisted that it was 
his very own to do with as he pleased. He wanted, more than 
anything else, to have Kwang Hung userft to buy oil. Ling said 
it would make him happy to have Kwang Hung save his eyesight 
while studying his books at night. 

Then, bowing low, Kwang Hung accepted the money with 
gracious thanks. 

Grandfather Yen-foh told the children of a certain time in his 
boyhood. He too had helped a schoolmate whose name was Yang 
Su to cultivate his mind, and study for school, by giving him 
brushes and paper to prepare his lessons. 

The Great Old One was pleased that his grandson had been 
kind and had followed in his grandfather’s steps by helping 
Kwang Hung in this way. 





Ling's Birthday 

The cold winter had passed and spring had come to China land. 

Also it was Ling’s birthday! 

The garden was green and blooming. Everything smiled with 
the joy of life after the long frozen time. 

There was no telling what might happen on such a day as this. 
Ling spent much time wondering about it, he thought the warm 
sun felt good. 

Ling was mending his kite under a pergola with Little Sweet 
Sister nearby, when the children heard a peculiar sound. They sat ^ 
perfectly still and listened. 

It came again. Cr-e-a-k, cr-e-a-k. 

Then Ling and Little Sweet Sister knew what was coming! 
The noise was the sound made by the wheels on the candy man’s 
cart when they went round and round. Beautiful Mother heard 
it too, and she tossed a coin from the window telling Ling to 
buy candy for himself and Little Sweet Sister. 


22 




The noise was made by the candy man s cart 















































A crowd of children surrounded the cart. They exclaimed over 
the many queer looking pieces of candy the smiling candy man 
showed them. 

With his money Ling bought Little Sweet Sister a red candy 
cat, and for vnimself he bought a green candy frog. The brother 
and sister ate their nice sweet candy as they hurried home. 

A coolie with his 'ricksha was waiting in front of their door. 
This meant that Beautiful Mother had finished dressing in her 
celebration garments, and would soon come to take her seat in the 
'ricksha. 

As one of Ling’s birthday pleasures Beautiful Mother was to 
take her two children for a long ride. Almost at once she appeared, 
and the three sat close together on the wide seat of the 'ricksha. 
Beautiful Mother carried a small parasol. She held vu in the best 
position to protect their faces from the sun. 

They rode past the market place to see the strange things brought 
on the big boats as they crossed the wide deep ocean from foreign 
lands, where other children lived. 

Then the 'ricksha coolie took them to a famous tea house. 
There they found Honorable Father awaiting them. Ling and 
Little Sweet Sister were allowed to sit at the table with their 
parents, like grownups, and drink the delicious Chinese tea. Little 
Sweet Sister thought this was the finest thing of all. 





The *ricksha coolie took them to a famous tea house 















When they had finished their, tea, Honorable Father said he 
would leave his business for the day and go home with them, be¬ 
cause it was Ling's birthday. 

Two 'rickshas were needed to take them. Beautiful Mother 
and Little Sweet Sister rode in one, while Honorable Father and 
Ling occupied the other. The children laughed at the birthday 
procession as they travelled through the streets. 

Upon reaching home Beautiful Mother and Honorable Father 
explained to Ling and Little Sweet Sister that they must tie their 
handkerchiefs around their eyes. Their parents did not want them 
to see something pleasant that was coming. 

What could/it be? 

The children could not imagine, and begged to be told. 

But Beautiful Mother said it was a secret which they would 
soon know. 





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Ling and Little Sweet Sister drank the Chinese tea 
































Honorable Father took Ling’s hand and led his happy young 
son, while Beautiful Mother brought Little Sweet Sister to the 
garden back of the house. All was quiet. Ling had a strange feel¬ 
ing inside of him. 

What was happening? 

Then they stood while Beautiful Mother and Honorable Father 
removed the bandages from their eyes. 

Ling and Little Sweet Sister opened their eyes. 

There among the flowers and trees Grandfather Yen-foh was 
seated in a large carved chair. He was dressed in his ceremonial 
robes. Standing in a circle very near him were ten young Chinese 
boys, Ling’s friends. It was a birthday party! 

Ling cried out with joy and surprise. The ten small boys 
quickly gathered about him laughing and wishing him a happy 
birthday. 

Beautiful Mother had arranged a fine time for the party. 

First, Little Sweet Sister danced on the soft grass. Her tiny 
feet carried her swiftly in and out of the shade and sunlight under 
the pomegranate trees. 

Next were games played by the boys. There was a shout of 
pleasure,over this. The children directed Ling to lead them since 
he knew more Chinese games than any one else. 

Because Little Sweet Sister could not play in the boy’s games, 
The Great Old One held her upon his knee. 











The small Chinese girl clapped her hands with pleasure while 
watching the sports. 

The Great Old One smiled kindly upon them all. 

Ling accepted the honor of master of the games because his 
friends wished him to do so. 

He suggested the first game should be the one called “Queue.” 
The boys liked that one. 

In this game each Chinese boydmrew his queue over his shoulder 
and stepped away from his companions. But as he went farther 
from one he drew nearer another. Under no circumstances must 
he let his queue fall back from his shoulder. If he did so, and 
was caught, the penalty was a dozen slaps from the other boys, 
all of whom were watching for a chance. 

The boys' names were called suddenly and many other things 
were done to make them turn their heads so that the queues would 
fall down their backs as they played. 

When one did so and the victim did not/Escape, a shout of 
laughter went up while with much smiling and squealing the slaps 
were given. 

Ling purposely tossed his queue over his shoulder so that it 
fell straight down his back. Then he ran. Of course the other 
boys must catch him and give him his slaps while his queue was 


in the wrong place. 
How they raced! 


29 



This one would be "Cat Catching Mice 







Ling was fleet of foot and always kept a little ahead. Once 
Chi reached out a hand to catch him, but Ling was gone. 

No one could catch Ling. 

When all were tired Ling pulled his queue back overl/nis 
shoulder and joined the other boys, laughing because he had es¬ 
caped the slaps. It had been a great deal of fun, and Ling's play¬ 
mates begged for another game. 

Ling, the leader, decided this one would be the game "Cat 
Catching Mice." This one also was a favorite with the boys. 

They quickly chose Ling for the cat and Chi for the mouse. 
The remaining children formed a circle with the mouse in the 
center. The ring hopped round and round protecting the mouse 
from the cat who wa^s outside the ring, and eagerly watching for 
an opening to enterVfhe circle and pounce upon the mouse. 

As the boys were swinging round and round in a ring, they 
sang this verse: 


‘What o'clock is it? 
Just struck nine. 

Is the mouse at home? 
He's about to dine." 









While the boys’ voices chimed in the song the mouse, who was 
Chi tried to avoid the cat. 

Would the cat catch the mouse? That was the big question! 
The boys could scarcely wait to find out. 

Suddenly the circle of boys stood still. The poor mouse darted 
out with the cat after him. Ling, being the cat, and such a good 
runner, soon caught/the mouse. The mouse was then supposed 
to be eaten by the* cat. There were cries of glee, and the boys 
danced up and down in merriment as they watched the funny 
way Ling pretended to devour Chi. 

Grandfather Yen-foh and Little Sweet Sister stood by to watch 
the hilarious performance. 

They played more games until the golden sun, hiding his face 
behind the treetops, poured purple and red light across the garden. 

Then the servants of the house appeared with sweet rice 
cakes, which delighted everyone. 

Ling’s young friends said good-bye with best wishes and smiles 
for Ling on his birthday. 



Many birthdays passed. Ling and Little Sweet Sister S^rew to 
manhood and womanhood. They never parted. Little Sweet 
Sister always lived in the home of their ancestors with her brother. 

Ling—grandson of Yen-foh, advanced in the respect of the 
people of China. They loved him because he was kind and un¬ 
selfish in helping others, and was a leader as he had always been, 
even when a little boy. 

Ling felt that he owed the friendship of the people to the 
teachings and example of his illustrious grandfather, Yen-foh. 



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